I just picked up a 99 Z28 A4. I read the mod order but was wondering what you guys though I should pick up next if my final goal would be a S/C, 500 whp car? I am not looking to buy parts twice so what should I get first that will work down the road? So far I have a lid and magnaflow cat back.

Thanks.

 

well...you can't make good power without good exhaust flow. so headers are going to be next.

what kind will depend on your emissions/inspection situation.

beyond that, i would say it's time to start looking at torque converters. not sure what goes best with SC applications. research around.

and after that start saving for suspension and a rear end. you'll need it with that much power.

 

You have a way to go.

 

honestly...go ahead and read through the first 10 or 15 pages of this forum. alot of your questions will be answered. also use the search button on anything you aren't sure of.

but to make that kind of hp...there are alot of big things to consider. such as a transmission that will hold the power, rear end, suspension, traction, fuel upgrades, internal upgrades, bolt ons.

maybe go talk to Kraest (mike), he is the proud new owner of a 500+rwhp vette. he can probably give you a good idea on what you'll need to get the project rolling....besides about $15,000 for mods.

 

yes, I am aware of the search button. I have spend hours and hours looking stuff up.

If I buy a nice built rear end, will it swap in to a 67 camaro, when I am ready to do so?

Other than headers, which I plan to do next, there is not much left for bolt on's for the motor is there?

I read somewhere that out fuel systems and internals are ok up to 500hp. Was that post wrong?

 

it's not really a question of "can" it handle the power...more of "how long can it handle the power"??

you can build the car to make that much power, but be prepared to do a rebuild on the motor relatively soon. now that could be 1000 miles or 50,000 miles. it's hard to say. and every engine and setup is different. there is no definative line to which the engine will hold or blow.

guys have spun bearings on engines making less than 400rwhp, Kreast is running 515rwhp on stock internals sofar with no problems.

as for the rear, i'm not sure. but id be willing to bet the width will be wrong to swap into an 1st gen. not to mention the 4th gen rear uses a torque arm, and coil springs. i think the 1st gens use leaf springs. not sure how that converts.

there are alot of bolt ons

SSRA
lid
ported TB
intake manifold
headers
electric water pump
underdrive pulley
roller rockers (highly debated)
true duals
low temp thermostat
maf sensor (highly debated as well)

there are alot more, just not really engine related

 

If your ultimate goal is to go the S/C route look at mods that will still work with that. I'd recomend starting with headers, LS6 intake, stall converter, and depending on your budget a rear end to handle the power.

 

I have no LS1 advice for you, but I would steer clear of insider trading if I were you...

 

For 500 HP I wouldn't even bother with a blower. Just build a 408 or 427 Stroker for it. It will cost you less, too, and be much less trouble.

-Geoff

 

I second the stroker. You can build a 500hp 383cid easy with streetability.

 

The reason I want to go with a blower is for the mpg thing too. It seems that a lot of the forced induction cars get great gas mileage when you are not on the gas. (20+ mpg is what I consider great). Most of these big motors that are putting down this same hp "all motor" seem to get 10-15mpg. This car is a daily driver so I do want to keep the mpg in mind, I also would like to have the power there when I need it.

 

we were just pushing the stroker idea because its the most reliable power. forced induction can put more strain on the internals, so upgrade those, and rings dont last nearly as long. You'll also need to get your S/C serviced every once and a while. But if the MPG is worth that much to you, go blown. Like i saw on a shirt once and on this dude's sig here "Its better to be blown than Stroked" (although i dont agree, i prefer both)

 

I agree with the stroker idea, too.

Just get the mods in my sig + and LS6 intake and you'll be happy, if not, upgrade the rear, swap in a 383ci or 402ci short block, buy some good heads & get a proper tune. Should be fast enough.

A Cammed 383ci with some good heads should be easier on the wallet and more reliable...plus maintenance will be easier, too...

 

One thing to consider since you have an A4.
There is 1 mod that will give you a 1/2 sec quicker ET and make the car much more fun to drive. The down side is that it'll make you dyno lower. This is why I don't recommend going for HP numbers. We aren't ricers.

Get a smaller converter and a trans cooler.

 

my cam only LS1 with mediocre part thottle tuning (meaning mileage may actually increase) gets 25mpg on the highway cruising at 75-80mph.

addition of heads shouldn't affect that too much and should put me right around 450rwhp.

so with a stroker you could probably pick up the other 50hp and still make good gas mileage.

maybe look into a turbo setup. they are really good on gas mileage aren't the?